A World Remade: Explore the Most Significant Rewilding Projects on the Planet
To celebrate World Rewilding Day we highlight some of the world's hottest rewilding projects. Where are they? How are they doing?
Our landscapes pulsate with the promise of a wilder future through rewilding. This ambitious undertaking aims to restore degraded ecosystems, reintroduce lost species, and allow nature to regenerate. Rewilding projects can now be found on every continent. It's a movement gaining momentum and inspiring populations worldwide. From vast landscapes in the UK and Europe to remote islands in the Pacific, rewilding projects are breathing new life into our planet. We list some of the most important ones here.
The more significant larger-scale rewilding initiatives happening around the world:
England
Wild Ennerdale, Cumbria: A partnership between the Forestry Commission, National Trust and United Utilities, Wild Ennerdale was established in 2002. A remote valley (10,782 acres) the western edge of the Lake District National Park, Ennerdale displays dramatic ridges and high summits as well as a host of diverse flora and fauna. The vision of the partnership is to create a wild valley where natural processes determine how the landscape and ecology of the area is shaped and developed. Forestry tracks have been allowed to grow over, and the river has been left to find its own way.
Knepp Wildland Safari, Sussex: A beacon of rewilding success, Knepp transformed a struggling farm into a thriving haven for wildlife. Red deer, Exmoor ponies, Long-horn cattle and other grazing animals roam free, naturally managing the vegetation, fostering biodiversity, and creating a spectacular landscape.
The Wilder Blean Project, Kent: This project aims to restore the ancient Blean Woods, a vital ecological corridor connecting the North Downs and the Thames Estuary. Working with landowners and stakeholders, the initiative focuses on reintroducing missing species like beavers and encouraging natural woodland regeneration with ‘conservation grazers’ including bison, Iron-Age pigs and cattle.
The South Downs National Park, Sussex: Spanning an impressive 12,000 hectares, this initiative focuses on restoring and ‘renaturing’ a vast swathe of chalk grassland. Through rewilding techniques, the project aims to create a network of wildlife corridors, reintroduce grazing animals like Exmoor ponies, and enhance natural habitats for a multitude of species.
The Northern Forest, northwest England: This ambitious project envisions the creation of a vast woodland stretching from the Mersey estuary to the Tyne. By planting millions of trees, the Northern Forest aims to combat climate change, improve air quality, and create a vital habitat for wildlife.
WildEast, East of England between Southend-on-Sea and Norwich: Their goal is to persuade landholders in this part of East England to wild their land - particularly focused on wild grasses and wildflowers to return insects and birds.
Scotland
Carrifran Wildwood, Dumfries and Galloway: Nestled within the Cairngorms National Park, Carrifran Wildwood is dedicated to restoring the ancient Caledonian Forest. They achieve this by planting native trees over 1,600 acres, gradually transforming the landscape back to its primeval state. Visitors can explore this evolving wilderness and witness the return of red squirrels, pine martens, and a rich variety of birdlife.
Affric Estates, Scottish Highlands: This vast estate, encompassing over 100,000 acres, is undergoing a significant rewilding transformation. Native woodlands are being restored, while efforts are underway to reintroduce the majestic red deer, golden eagles, and even wildcats back into the landscape.
Alladale Wilderness Reserve, Highlands: This ambitious project aims to create a vast rewilded estate in the Scottish Highlands, spanning over 23,000 acres. The initiative focuses on restoring native woodlands, reintroducing missing species like beavers and pine martens, and promoting responsible tourism practices.
Wales
Pumlumon Project, Cambrian Mountains: High in the Welsh hills, the Pumlumon Project tackles the challenge of restoring upland habitats while supporting local communities. By working with farmers, they promote sustainable grazing practices, plant native trees to prevent flooding, and develop green tourism initiatives. This project exemplifies the successful integration of rewilding with economic development.
The Welsh Government's Rewilding Strategy: Wales boasts a comprehensive national rewilding strategy, focusing on restoring lost ecosystems, reintroducing native species, and promoting nature-based solutions to environmental challenges. This strategy guides numerous local projects across the country, working towards a wilder Wales.
Ireland
Rewilding River Bann, County Antrim: Located along the banks of the River Bann, this project focuses on restoring natural floodplain wetlands. Through rewilding techniques like allowing natural flooding patterns and the reintroduction of beavers, the project aims to enhance biodiversity and improve water quality.
Wild Nephin, North County Mayo: Considered what will be Ireland’s first wilderness, 8,000 hectares has been set aside in the Nephin Beg Range for a dramatic rewilding project, with the vision that the landscape will be entirely shaped by natural processes and not human hands. Equally, at the heart of the project is the expectation that recreation will be welcomed, with the careful development of trails so that backpackers can explore this new and exciting wilderness. The project site will be divided into three core areas: Primitive; Semi Primitive; and Developed Natural.
Europe
European Bison Reintroduction, Multiple Locations: Once hunted to near extinction, European bison are making a comeback. Projects across Europe, from Poland's Bialowieza Forest to Romania's Carpathian Mountains, are reintroducing these majestic creatures, restoring their ecological role.
Hortobágy National Park, Hungary: This vast grassland ecosystem is undergoing a revival. Through traditional grazing practices and the reintroduction of Przewalski's horses, the park aims to restore a sense of wilderness and enhance biodiversity.
Americas
Yellowstone National Park Wolf Reintroduction, USA: A landmark success story, the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone in 1995 revitalised the entire ecosystem. The wolves helped control deer and elk populations, allowing vegetation to recover particularly along the rivers, and fostering a more balanced ecosystem.
American Prairie Bison Project, USA: Dedicated to the restoration of bison across their historic range, this project works with various stakeholders to reintroduce bison herds to public and private lands. The return of bison not only restores ecological balance but also holds cultural significance for Native American communities.
Patagonia National Park, Chile: This breathtaking park is undergoing a rewilding transformation. Formerly an overgrazed ranch, the park is removing fencing and allowing native species like guanacos to return. This fosters a more natural ecosystem and provides stunning wildlife viewing opportunities.
Africa
Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa: Once on the brink of extinction, the black rhinoceros population in Addo Elephant National Park has made a remarkable recovery. Through intensive anti-poaching efforts and habitat restoration, the park offers a safe haven for these magnificent creatures.
Gourma Walks, Burkina Faso: This innovative project combines rewilding with economic development. Local communities are trained as ecological guides, leading tours through a rewilded landscape where elephants and other wildlife are returning. This initiative demonstrates the potential of rewilding to benefit both humans and nature.
Akagera National Park, Rwanda: Devastated by war and poaching, Akagera National Park is undergoing a remarkable restoration. Its characterized by woodland, swamps, low mountains and savannah. It is central Africa's largest protected wetland and the last remaining refuge for savannah-adapted species in Rwanda. Black rhinos have been reintroduced, lions are roaming free once again, and local communities are actively involved in conservation efforts.
Asia
Indian Rhino Vision 2020, India: This ambitious project aims to double the wild rhino population in India by 2020. Through habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and corridor creation, the project connects fragmented populations and ensures the future of these iconic animals.
Komodo National Park, Indonesia: This volcanic archipelago is home to the Komodo dragon, the world's largest lizard. Park authorities are actively managing the ecosystem, controlling invasive species and protecting Komodo dragons to ensure their survival in the face of habitat loss and climate change. Komodo National Park has been selected as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
The Great Green Wall of Africa: This ambitious project stretches across the entire width of Africa, aiming to restore degraded land and combat desertification by planting trees. The "Great Green Wall" is an initiative to increase the amount of arable land in the Sahel, the region bordering Africa's Sahara Desert. Eleven nations are investing in projects as varied as agroforestry to sustainable development.
LettsSafari
While the initiatives listed above represent some of the most exciting larger-scale rewilding projects that are thousands of acres or more, LettsSafari is focused on developing a bigger movement through smaller-scale rewilding, starting from a pot or small garden up to 250 acre projects. One for the masses this time around - going beyond the few, larger landholders who kicked things off, to nature’s army of nearly a billion gardeners and 250 million smallholders. Many argue - it’s about time.
This is just a glimpse into the remarkable world of rewilding. There are many other projects that we could mention. But from restoring lost giants like the European bison to empowering local communities through sustainable practices in Costa Rica, these initiatives offer a path towards a healthier planet and a more harmonious relationship between humans and nature.
As we celebrate World Rewilding Day, let’s remember the transformative power of these projects. By supporting rewilding efforts, we can contribute to a wilder, richer future for generations to come.
Get more LettsSafari updates and wildlife photos from our twitter. And read all the latest posts at the LettsSafari + website.